I used to work in brick and mortar offices and online for about two decades; went to school for 20+ years, came out with two Master’s degrees (Master’s of Science and Master’s of Creative Writing). Worked at a bunch of places, from methadone clinics as a substance abuse counselor to marketing departments and more.

Through it all, there were two things those jobs had in common: I was hoping they were a good fit for my creativity and drive. And I left every single one because of PTSD and IED. Took me a long while to accept that those factors weren’t exactly “normal.”

So, I started ShortMerc to use my skills for others and help them along in whatever vein they needed me in. Which didn’t last too long… Turns out, direction is much needed and being someone to be called on for just about anything, well it didn’t work out well either. But even through the lost years, nights of internal screaming, external turmoil and debilitating muscular seizures, something came crashing in: clarity.

Instead of being a catch all for people who might need something, I’m sharing my art, my experience and my story (the latter was missing because I simply didn’t think it was enough.) And with that comes the drive to create more understanding around neurodivergent folks, especially those with PTSD, IED and other trauma-induced conditions. 

ShortMerc might just be me and my inner voices right now (stick around and we’ll talk about the voices), but it’s also about community and building something sustainable. You don’t have to be on one side or the other of the neuro-scale, just have to be genuine, respectful and willing to share what makes you you.

I’m working to bring more flexibility to artists who’ve found a way to reach themselves through art, or those who’ve repurposed their divergence into something more than just the condition.

I’m working on things like night markets, where folks can have more flexibility to explore their art and connect with other vendors. Some of the profits will go toward communities and research into conditions that make folks a little less “normal” and a little more Wyrd. I want to bring community and sustainability back to something that’s attainable instead of just some dream that “would be nice.”

I’m working on reminding folks that where you came from is not who you are and there’s no reason we can’t help each other out and enjoy each others’ crafts. If that’s something you want to help out with or be part of, then you’ve certainly come to the right place.